Can you green lane a BMW F 900 GS?

Holloway ratings

Four separate scores, not one blended number, so you can see what's actually driving it.

Full specs

What we actually found

Owners report that this complete redesign finally gives BMW a focused, hard-hitting off-road middleweight. Riders praise the 14kg weight reduction, narrow rally tank, and fully adjustable Showa forks for making the bike feel light and agile on loose trails. The 105hp engine is celebrated on tarmac links, though long-distance tourers note that the downsized 14.5-litre tank reduces range compared to older GS models.

Pros for green laning

• Substantial weight reduction: shed 14kg over its F 850 GS predecessor to weigh in at 219kg wet, drastically improving agility on loose ground.
• Fully adjustable Showa suspension: 43mm USD forks and rear shock provide 230mm front / 215mm rear travel with 246mm clearance for hard off-road use.
• Potent 105hp parallel twin: produces 93Nm of torque with strong mid-range drive, backed by Enduro Pro riding modes for tailored trail slide control.
• Factory off-road ergonomics: comes standard with an Akrapovič titanium silencer, high-mounted bars, enduro footpegs, and a narrow rally-style fuel tank.

Cons and limitations

• Small 14.5-litre fuel tank: downsized tank limits range to roughly 180-190 miles, requiring more frequent stops than traditional mid-weight tourers.
• 17-inch rear wheel: limits fitment of hardcore extreme-enduro rear tyres compared to standard 18-inch rims.
• Still heavy in deep bogs: at 219kg, it remains a heavy motorcycle to extricate when buried up to the axles in wet British peat or clay.
• Minimal road wind protection: the compact rally screen prioritises off-road visibility over highway weather protection on cold, wet road transits.

Based on manufacturer specifications and independent motorcycle press reviews.